Cost of Algo Trading in India: API Fees & Hidden Charges

Before you automate your trading, it is vital to calculate your overhead. Algo trading isn't just about strategy; it's about infrastructure. Let's break down the true costs.

1. Broker API Fees

Broker fees are your first recurring expense:

• Fyers, Dhan, Angel One: Free API access. Ideal for beginners keeping costs low.
• Zerodha: ₹2,000/month for interactive API. Extremely stable but carries a cost.
• Upstox: Free API but sometimes charges for historical data depending on the usage.

2. Platform and Hosting Costs

If you build it yourself, you need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) from AWS or DigitalOcean, costing anywhere from $10 to $50 a month, plus you must maintain the code. If you use a SaaS platform, you typically pay ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per month for them to host your strategies.

3. Custom Development

If you hire a developer to write a custom strategy, expect a one-time fee ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on complexity. At Indikator, we charge a transparent one-time fee of ₹30k-₹50k and fully host it for you.

Disclaimer: Educational content only, not investment advice. Trading involves risk.